Details

It might be Vasque's lightest, but don't underestimate its toughness.

The Vasque Women's St. Elias GTX Backpacking Boot is an extremely lightweight boot that's built to keep you moving on the trail. Its oiled nubuck leather and a Gore-Tex membrane seal out moisture so your foot remains dry and comfortable for the entire trip. Dual-density EVA footbed boosts comfort even more and stabilizes your feet on uneven terrain. The all-new ASE midsole has EVA cushioning pods conform precisely to the irregularities of the trail, and its TPU shank offers the sturdy support backpackers crave after miles of rocky trails.

Vasque's exclusive Vibram Frontier outsole is the delicious icing on this sweet shoe. The top has a toe-off pad that increases traction and durability. Concentrated lugs in the heel strike pad that gives you a solid landing every step of the way. Combo lugs with 90 degree edges at the forefoot deliver supreme traction when you walk uphill or downhill. The forefoot also has inset spikes that keep debris and mud from sticking to your sole. Vibram's XSTrek under your instep balances slip-resistance with high-abrasion resistance so you can step on wet stones confidently in this durable boot. The arch also has a 90-degree heel breast that offers secure downhill stopping power.

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Rad.

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

These hiking boots are so underrated. They're perfectly warm but not too constraining that you'll be uncomfortable when the feet (or temps) heat up. Super comfy in that they're perfectly cushioned, too! No hot spots here.

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To Costa Rica and Back

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I originally purchased these boots for a six week trip to Costa Rica. We were going to be hiking through the jungle every day and unless you want your ankles attacked by jungle creepers or if you like the feel of swamp water soaking your already hot, sweaty feet, you need a something durable and waterproof to tromp in. It took a while to break them in as they're fairly stiff and sturdy but once that's done, they are completely comfortable and amazing. I have long , skinny feet (10.5 - 11.0) but the toe box is slightly too large for my skinny foot but it doesn't really detract from the general comfort and wear-ability. Since coming home from Costa Rica, these boots have been my go to's for the last three years and holding up perfectly. I've had to replace the laces only once. For a large foot, they are heavy but in a secure kind of way. I love these boots, would recommend them to anyone.

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Killer boots

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

These take a little longer than I'm used to to break in, but once broken in they are super comfortable and have kept me blister free. I love that they are waterproof! That is something I won't compromise on -- nothing is worse on a mutli day backcountry trip than wet feet. I've walked through rivers and streams and have not had issues with water seeping through. I sized up 1/2 size and I think it was a good idea.. they don't "stretch" very much and I like having extra room at my toes for descending a summit or just hiking downhill to ensure my toenails don't break. The only complaint I have is that they sometime make a "squeaking" noise when I walk... maybe I walk wrong? haha, who knows. They also come untied easily, but it could just be the laces that need to be replaced. Traction is good on rock but not so great in snow and ice, so I would recommend purchasing crampons if you're going to be in an icy area. Overall I'm super happy with these.

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Pretty darn good, but not perfect

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: 8.5

Height: 5'6"

Weight: 135lbs

These boots are very good. I'm glad I bought them & know I'll get many years of use out of them. They fit very well, and I only get a little rubbing on the outside of my left pinky toe (which is normal. I just wear some moleskin on that patch). However, I live in dry California and tend to go trompsing out in the weeds. I find that the top of the boot's tongue becomes loose fairly quickly, no matter how tightly I tie the laces. When I got out in the weeds, the stickers will get stuck in the tongue and find their way down my foot to my sole... most uncomfortable. Not sure if the answer is to get different laces so I can tie the laces tighter (especially at the top around the tongue), or to stop off-roading. Either way, I enjoy these boots. They're a good value for the decent price.

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Grinnell Glacier

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tough boot

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: Runs large

I bought this pair as an upgrade to my Vasque Breezes that I'd hiked so long in they lost their soles and most of their waterproofness. So far, these boots haven't had that problem! They are almost as comfortable as the Breeze's but a heck of a lot more sturdy. I really appreciate the bumper on the toe for scrambling on loose rock. One of the reasons I ordered the boot was their classic look so they can be worn on the trail all summer long and in the city when it starts getting colder.

One of my complaints about the boot would be the first two months I was hiking about 50 miles a week hiking in them and consistently came home with blisters on my pinky toes. They seemed to have a longer break in period than I am used to.

That being said, I think this pair of boots have a long life ahead of them.

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Love love love these boots...

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Featherlight Feet

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: Runs large

These boots are light, roomy in the toe, and watertight. I love the classic brown, leather exterior. And the ankle support is great for my twist-prone ankles. They've taken me to the summit of two peaks so far and I can't wait to see where they'll take me next!